Savo Island

askc04:01 UTC05 Feb 2012

My husband and I will be spending a couple of weeks in the Solomon Islands this May.

I am interested in visiting Savo Island. From what I’ve read it seems like there are two accommodation options, Sunset Lodge or Kuila Village Stay. Does anyone know of any others? Has anyone stayed at either of these and have any opinions to share?

I would love to do a day trip out to Dolphin Island and swim with the dolphins. I would also like to explore the island and see the waterfalls, hot springs and volcano. Can we simply explore the island on our own or must we have a tour guide to visit these areas?

I would love any advice someone who has been here can offer.

Thank you!

askc04:09 UTC05 Feb 2012

I would also like to hear about transportation options to and from the island. We will be arriving at HIR at 11:00 am on a Tuesday. I would like to leave for Savo ASAP.

ozziegiraffe13:15 UTC05 Feb 2012

Boats to Savo usually leave from the beach beside the yacht club, next to the Mendana Hotel. Hopefully, the place where you are staying will provide transport, but the usually charge for it. Take the price as a guide - Kuila is very basic. However, don't expect a Fiji-style resort anywhere.
Dolphin Island (if it is still operating) would not be a good move in my opinion, and the person who operates (expat) is not to be trusted. (It is in Gela or Florida Islands, not Savo)
Do a search on Thorn Tree for Savo - I think someone who has been there more recently than me has made some comments.
The place where you stay should provide a guide, who you may need to pay. Don't wander around in your own, as you may breech taboos

Savo Island Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Solomon Islands
askc04:01 UTC05 Feb 2012	My husband and I will be spending a couple of weeks in the Solomon Islands this May. I am interested in visiting Savo Island. From what I’ve read it seems like there are two accommodation options, Sunset Lodge or Kuila Village Stay. Does anyone know of any others? Has anyone stayed at either of these and have any opinions to share? I would love to do a day trip out to Dolphin Island and swim with the dolphins. I would also like to explore the island and see the waterfalls, hot springs and volcano. Can we simply explore the island on our own or must we have a tour guide to visit these areas? I would love any advice someone who has been here can offer. Thank you!
askc04:09 UTC05 Feb 2012	I would also like to hear about transportation options to and from the island. We will be arriving at HIR at 11:00 am on a Tuesday. I would like to leave for Savo ASAP.	1
ozziegiraffe13:15 UTC05 Feb 2012	Boats to Savo usually leave from the beach beside the yacht club, next to the Mendana Hotel. Hopefully, the place where you are staying will provide transport, but the usually charge for it. Take the price as a guide - Kuila is very basic. However, don't expect a Fiji-style resort anywhere. Dolphin Island (if it is still operating) would not be a good move in my opinion, and the person who operates (expat) is not to be trusted. (It is in Gela or Florida Islands, not Savo) Do a search on Thorn Tree for Savo - I think someone who has been there more recently than me has made some comments. The place where you stay should provide a guide, who you may need to pay. Don't wander around in your own, as you may breech taboos	2